That headline is technically true—and very misleading. Here’s the real explanation behind it, and why most people never realize their washing machine can “dry.” 🧺
“10 out of 10 Washing Machines Can Dry” — What That Really Means
Most washing machines cannot fully dry clothes like a dryer, but almost all of them remove a large amount of water using a built-in function many people overlook.
The Little-Known Function: Spin-Only / Extra Spin
Every washing machine has a high-speed spin cycle. When used correctly, it can:
- Remove 70–90% of the water from clothes
- Cut air-drying time in half (or more)
- Make clothes feel almost dry to the touch
This is why people say washing machines can “dry.”
How to Use This Hidden Drying Trick
- After the wash cycle finishes, select “Spin” or “Drain & Spin.”
- Choose the highest safe spin speed for the fabric.
- Run it once or twice for thick items (towels, jeans).
Many machines bury this option in menus, so people never use it.
Why Manufacturers Don’t Explain This Clearly
- It’s not a true dryer, so they avoid the word “dry”
- Extra spinning reduces warranty complaints from fabric damage
- Most manuals mention it briefly—if at all
Bonus: Washer-Dryer Combos
Some machines actually do dry using:
- Heated air + condensation
- Or heat-pump technology
But these are:
- Slower than separate dryers
- Easy to overload (which ruins drying performance)
Pro Tips Most People Don’t Know
- Smaller loads = drier clothes
- Shaking clothes before spinning improves water removal
- Synthetic fabrics dry faster than cotton
- Use Extra Rinse + Extra Spin for bulky items
Bottom Line
All washing machines can extract water aggressively, but only a few truly dry with heat. The “secret” is simply knowing how to use the spin-only function properly.
If you want, tell me your machine brand/model, and I’ll show you exactly where that setting is hidden.